South Africa Clinches Victory, Eliminates Zimbabwe from Tri-Series Final

HARARE: Zimbabwe’s journey in the tri-series concluded prematurely as South Africa secured a convincing seven-wicket triumph at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

A masterful chase, highlighted by Rubin Hermann’s career-defining 63 and captain Rassie van der Dussen’s steady 52*, enabled South Africa to surpass Zimbabwe’s total of 144/6 in just 17.2 overs.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl under the prevailing overcast skies, South Africa’s team mirrored the XI from their initial match against Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe, conversely, had to compete without their key bowler, Blessing Muzarabani, due to a family emergency.

Early Innings

South Africa’s bowlers leveraged swing and seam expertly, causing early problems for Zimbabwe. Wessly Madhevere, on his debut, scored Zimbabwe’s first four in the third over, lofting a shot over mid-on, followed by a forceful pull. However, his innings was short-lived as he was caught attempting to clear mid-off. Clive Madande briefly showed aggression with a six, but he soon fell victim to Corbin Bosch, leaving Zimbabwe struggling at 29/2 at the close of the powerplay—the lowest score of the series during this phase.

Middle Overs

Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett combined in an attempt to stabilize the innings, but Raza’s dismissal for 11 stunted their progress.

Bennett, though, discovered his rhythm after the drinks interval, propelling Zimbabwe’s scoring. They added their subsequent 50 runs in only 28 deliveries, powered by Bennett’s attacking shots and complemented by Ryan Burl.

Bennett achieved his fourth T20I half-century with a six over long-off in the 15th over, elevating Zimbabwe to 113/3.

Late Overs

However, their aspirations for a strong finish were dashed. Ngidi dismissed Bennett with a deceptive slower ball, breaking a 78-run partnership. Zimbabwe then suffered a series of rapid wickets and managed only a single boundary in the final four overs, concluding at 144/6.

South Africa’s Response

In their chase, South Africa lost Lhuan-dre Pretorius early, but van der Dussen provided stability.

Hermann increased the tempo, striking boundaries and sixes to ensure a manageable required run rate. He achieved his first T20I half-century emphatically and dominated Zimbabwe’s attack with powerful hitting.

Despite Hermann’s dismissal in the 16th over, van der Dussen and Dewald Brevis made sure of the win, wrapping it up in the 18th over.